A veteran Northumberland County Ontario Provincial Police Officer found a way to give back at Christmas and said it was one of the most rewarding experiences of his life.
Constable Daryl McColl has been a OPP officer for 27-years. Through that time, he’s witnessed the best and worst of people. Heroism to heartache and everything in between.
Along the way, McColl’s had the opportunity to witness the suffering of children at Sick Children’s Hospital in Toronto.
Two of his three children required treatment at Sick Kids in Toronto in their early years.
“I’m fully aware of the stress that parents face having an ill child.”
Both children had surgery at Sick Children’s Hospital when they were one-year-old and one of them had a serious virus infection that required numerous transfusions. (The children are now 20-years-old and 17-years-old.)
Recently McColl mentioned to his girlfriend, Dayna Scaletta that at this point in their lives, they didn’t need anything material.
“We both have good jobs and nearing the end of our careers.”
“Myself as a officer and her as a vice-principal we both often see kids in desperate situations and we are both personally aware of many unnecessary tragedies that children face that are life-threatening.”
McColl mentioned that rather than buy presents for each other at Christmas they would stick to the traditional meaning of Christmas and give to others.
“More importantly those who could really use the support.”
“Our goal was to put a smile on faces of children in families who are burdened by their dire situation.”
“If only we could take the pain and suffering they face away for a short time.”
Northumberland OPP Acting Detachment Commander Jeff Martin fully supported McColl’s personal initiative and the Northumberland County OPP Auxiliary Unit held a toy drive and many friends of the couple along with numerous businesses contributed.
On Wednesday evening (December 19, 2018) McColl filled one of the cruisers with the help of Auxiliary Constable Hiliary Sharpe arriving at Sick Children’s Hospital at approximately 7 p.m.
Speaking to Today’s Northumberland, McColl said no one knew they were coming and the pair showed up unannounced, but they were extremely welcomed by staff.
They handed out toys ranging from remote cars, dolls, and everything in between to approximately 75 children.
There were people from Campbellford who wanted to participate and knitted blankets for newborns.
The pair of officers left toys for another 75 kids, then visited Ronald McDonald House and left enough toys for approximately 150 children.
“In 27 years of law-enforcement it was the most humbling thing I have ever experienced.
Children who have tough struggles ahead of them, battling diseases such as cancer.
“The kids were overwhelmed and some parents were crying that strangers would do this.”
“To put a temporary smile and take their focus away for a short period feels pretty good.”
After it was over, when McColl and Sharpe were driving back from Toronto, they spoke about the smiles and people they met, and will never forget.
“It makes your heart smile.”
“It was extremely humbling – we felt like Santa Claus.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
